Air mail unloading and pick up apparatus



Sept. 1, 1931. F.'w. WEIDMAN AIR MAIL UNLOADING AND PICK-UP APPARATUS 8 Sheets-Shet 1 Filed June 15, 1929 A tiomey Sept. .1, 1931. F. w. WEIDMAN 1,821,599.

AIR MAIL UNLOADING AND PICK-UP APPARATUS Filed June 13, 1929 a Sheets-Sheet 2 N H!" x Invenio'r; I

j werekkma'diizaw;

A iiorney Sept. 1, 193 F. w. WEIDMAN 1,821,

AIR .MAIL UNLOADING AND PICK-UP APPARATUS Filed June 13, 1929 8 Sheets-Sheet .3

Inventor j i'ad rzk'mz'dnzan,

A itorney Sept. 1, 1931.

F. w. WEIDMAN A IR MAIL .UNLOADING AND PICK-UP APPARATUS 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed June 13, 1929 In venior firederat'jzfl idinan,

A tiomey Sept. 1, 1931. F. w. WEIDMAN AIR MAIL UNLOADING AND PICK-UP APPARATUS Filed June 13, 1929 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 In ventor -'UP APPARATUS 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 F. W. WEIDMAN Filed June 13, 1929 Inventor ll zdnzan,

0 Mai 0 L1 Sept. 1,. 1931.

AIR MAIL UNLOADING AND PICK:

Sept. 1, 1931. E. w. WEIDMAN 1,821,599

AIR MAIL UNLQ-ADING AND PICK-UP APPARATUS Filed June 13. 1929 s Sheets-Sheet 7 In vemfor fiaael'z'ek 1. 117640 271 022 Sept. 1, 1931. F. w. WEIDMAN ,82 9

AIR MAIL UNLOADING AND PICK-UP APPARATUS Filed Jzine 13, 1929' 8 sheets-sheet 8 Inventor fmderzb'mzdinan,

A iiorney Patented Sept. 1

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FREDERICK RV. VTEIDlv'IAll, OF DRTUMBIGHT, OKLAEODIA AIR MAIL UIILOADENG AND PICK UP APPARATUS Application filed June 13,

The present invention relates to an apparatus for unloading andpickmg up air mail without L116 necessity of the aeroplane landing and the prlme object ofthe invention resides in the provision of means for scans for simultaneously catching hold of another bag of mail if desired.

Another veryimportant object of the invention resides in the provision of an apparatus of this natureincluding an unloading pan with an automatically operating trap door for dumping the mail in a receptacle simultaneously with its release.

Another very important object of the invention resides in the provision of means for mounting the above mentioned unloading pan so that it may be swung around to extend into the direction of the flight of the aeroplane.

Another very important object of the-in vention resides in the provision of an unloading and pick up device having releasing mechanism incorporated therewith.

A still further very important object of the invention resides in the provision of an apparatus of this nature which is simple and complete in construction, strong and durable, easy to manipulate, thoroughly efficient and reliable in use and operation, not likely to easily become out of order and otherwise well'adapted for the purpose for which it is designed.

lVith the above and numerous other objects in view as will appear as the description proceeds, the invention resides in certain novel features of construction, and in the combination and arrangement of parts as will be hereinafter more fully described and claimed.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is an elevation of the apparatus embodying the features of my invention,

Figure 2 is a top plan view thereof,

Figure 3 is a vertical section taken substantially on the line 3-3 of Figure 2,

Figure l is a fragmentary bottom plan view of the unloading pan,

1929. Serial No. 3'70;659.

Figure 5 is an enlarged detail section through the upper end of the unloading pan, and the unloading and pickup tube showing 111;.1l about to be picked up and other mail about to be released.

Figure (Sis a longitudinal sectional view through the unloading and pick up device,

Figure '7 is a transverse section therethrough taken substantially on the line 7-7 of Figure 6, 7

Figure 8 is a transverse section therethrough taken substantially on the line 88 of Figure 6, V i it Figure is a perspective View ofthe releasable part ofthe unloading and pick up device, 7

-Figure 10 is a bottom plan View of the unloading and pickup device with the releasable part removed,

Figure 11. is a top plan view of theunloading and pick up device,

Figure 12 is a perspective View of the spring catches,

Figure 13 is a detail sectional viewtaken substantially on the line 1313 of Figure 1,

Figure 1a is a detail elevation of, the upper-end wall of the unlocking pan showing unloadingand' pick up tube in end elevation,

Figure 15 is a bottom plan view of thereleasable part of the unloading and pick up device showing the same in a horizontal position with the clamp shank at right angles thereto so that the same may be released from the hook on which it is engaged,

Figure 16 is a perspective View of the clamp for the mail sack,

Figure 17 is a perspective view of another portion thereof,

Figure 18 is a sectional view through the clamp structure,

Figure 19 is a side elevation of the pick up look hook,

Figure 20 isa sectional View therethrough taken substantially on the line 20- 20 of Figure 19, V

Figure 21 is a side elevation of the lookin disk, and

Figure 22 is a fragmentary elevationof the unloading and pick up tube showing the pickup lock hook engaged therewith.

Affirm i i. k 1 V Vibe WC :1 Q 11 DUL/ll Referring to the drawings in detail it will of suitable construction which may be mounted on a flying field, on the top of a building, or any other place that may be convenient or desirable. This tower may be of the desired height.

On top of the tower 5 there is a cylindrical receptacle 6 having a hingedly mounted trap door 7 in the bottom thereof. An annular track 8 is mounted interiorly of the upper portion of the receptacle 6. A post 9 rises centrally from the bottom of the receptacle terminating a distance above the upper edge thereof.

A bracket 10 is swiveled on the upper end of the post by suitable means as at 11 and supports the upper end of an inclined unloading pan denoted generally by the letter P and comprising a bottom 12, side walls 13, and an upper end wall 14 which is shorter than the side walls 13.

An unloading and pick up tube T is mounted on the wall 14. This tube has a longitudinally extending full length slot in its top portion from the edges of which extend wings 15 which incline upwardly and outwardly from the tube to guide the cable 16 therein which depends from the air craft from any suitable reeling mechanism or the like not shown.

The tube T is formed with an outwardly flared mouth or entrance end 17 and in its rear upper end is formed with a slot 18 and that said end is provided with depending L- shaped hangers 19 one to each side of the slot 18.

The bottom 12 of the pan P is formed with an opening 20 closed by means of a trap door 21 mounted on hinges 22. An elongated latch bolt 23 is slidable on the bottom of the door by suitable means 24, and is adapted to engage in a keeper 2 1 on the bottom 12 adjacent the lower end of the opening 20 for holding the door 21 in a closed position.

An L-shaped rod 25 is pivotally engaged as at 26 with the upper end of the bolt 23 and has a cross rod 27 on one end slidable through an opening in the wall 1d and slidable in a bracket 28 depending from the tube T.

An abutment head 29 is formed on the end of the cross rod 27 in front of the wall 14. By pushing this abutment head 29 it will be seen that the bolt may be slid to be released from its keeper so that the door 21 may swing down to an open position as is indicated to advantage in Figure 5.

A carriage 30 supports the pan P and is mounted on wheels 31 ridable in the track 8. These wheels are journaled between plates 32 and 33 fixed as at 3% to the legs 35 of the carriage 30 and it will be noted that the plates have extensions 36 under a e numei a l e de tesatewer the track 8 so as to prevent the pan from being blown er over. 7 r r W r r r r r A platform 37 is mounted on a collar 38 about an intermediate portion of the post 9 above a shoulder 39 "formed thereon and is braced 1n respect 'to the pan. P as at 40.

A member ll depends from the collar 38 and has handle 42 on the lower end hereof so that apparatus in the receptacle 6 may turn the pan around in the direction or the approaching aircraft.

Particular attention is new directed to Figures 16 17 and 18 wherein I have shown a clamp for amail sack or the like. The mail sack is denoted by the numeral 415 and on opposite sides of its open end has attached thereto clamp elements L6 and 17. These elements -16 and 47 are preferably riveted to the mail sack as at 48 to an inside plate l9.

Element 16 is curved and has an on extremity with a transverse slot 51) tl The element 18 has an elongated extending therefrom through the slot 00 and terminates in an eye A shouv formed on. the element 17 against which he element 46 will lit when the rack is closed.

The unloading and pick up device comprises a shank 55 secured to the end or he cable 16 in a permanent manner. A ring 56 is disposed c "cumjacent the. intei-r 'li ate portion of the shank 55 by in rods 57 which incline upwardly and inwardly and merge into the upper end of the shank.

An externally threaded head 58 is formed on the lower end of the shank 55 and is adapted to be threadedly engaged in a socket 59 at the upper end of a tube 60. A casing 61 is fixed to the outer portion of the socket 59 and extends over the tube 60 and is formed with a plurality of vertical slots 62 in the lower end thereof.

The bottom 63 of the casing 61 merge: into the bottom end of the tube 60. The tube 60 is preferably formed in two parts a and b the adjacent ends of which are spaced. It Will be noted that the portion a is an integral part of the socket 59 while the portion Z) is an integral part of the casing 63.

The slots 62 partially extend into the bottom 63 and at their ends the bottom 63 is formed with upwardl extending stop lugs 65. Spring catches 66 mounted on the portions a of the'tube 60 and have inwardly tapering projections 6'7 extending thrmigh the space between the portions (4 and Z).

A disk 69 is slidable in the casing below a pair 01 oppositely disposed out. *r dly extending ears 70 termed on the portions 7) of the tube 60.

Arms 71 rise from diametrically opposite portions of the periphery of the disk 69 and have inwardly directed extensions 72.

being moved outwardly from between the ends of the tube sections a and b. However, it will be noted that when a downward pres sure is applied to the arms 74, the extensions 72 will be moved out of'engagement with the projections 67permitting the projections 67 to swing outwardly in a direction away from one another as will be hereinafter more fully explained. A hook device comprises a cluster of hooks-80 with a common shank 81 merging into a stem 82 having an annular groove 83 about the upper end thereof.

A disk 84 is formed on the shank 81 and has an annular fian e 85 rising from the periphery thereof. The stem 82 extends into the tube 60 with its groove 83 opposite the space between the portions a and Z so as to receive the pro ections 67 and thus be locked therein. In place of the shank 55 there may be mounted a shank 55 which has a hook 90 at one end and a head 58 similar to head 58 at the other end.

Arranged on the shank 55' is a shock absorbing unit, which unit comprises an elongated open ended tubular casing 100,

said casing being closed at its bottom end,

' and suitably apertured at said closed end manner.

- impinging Obviously,

for the reception of the lower end of the shank 55, so that the threaded head 58 of said shank may project beyond said casing at said closed end. At its upper open end the casing 100' is provided with external screw threads for the threaded reception of a cap 102. Likewise this cap is suitably apertured so as to permit tee reception of the Silfi-HK 55 therethrough, so that said shank may extend through the casing in an obvious Adjacent its head 58 the shank 55 is provided with a shoulder or flange 101, said flange being adapted to rest on the bottom of the casing as illustrated. Disposed about that portion of the shank 55 within the casing is a coil spring 103, the lower end of said coil spring resting upon the upper surface of the shoulder 101, and the opposite or upper end of said coil spring against the cap 102, as illustrated. in View of this construction there is provided suitable means for absorbing or taking up the sudden shock imparted to the hook 90 when the sacks engaged on the device hanging from the shank 55 are picked up by the aircraft in a manner to be presently more fully described.

The hook 90 has a pair of spaced segmental plates 91 to enclose the inner portion of the hook. A disk 92 is rockable as at 93 between the plates 91 and has a notch 93 formed therein. A stop pin 94: is provided on the disk .92 to limit the swinging thereof in one direction being receivable in notch 95 formed in one of the plates 91.- A leaf spring 96 is fixed as at 97 to the locking disk 92 and has a shoulder 98 on the end thereof to engage the edge of the said plate to prevent rocking movement of the disk when in the position shown in Figure 19.

This shoulder end 98, however, may be pressedinwardly and the disk 92 rocked to the position shown in Figure 5. Ledges '99 project outwardly from the plate 91 for resting in the L-shaped hangers 19 as is illustrated to advantage in Figures 5 and 22.

One or more mail sacks are engaged on the device hanging from the shank 55 positioned as is illustrated in Figure 1 so that the sacks may rest on the platform 37 and these are the sacks to be picked up; The sacks to be delivered from the aircraft are hanging from the hooks on the device eX- tending from the shank-55 which is attached 7 the flange abuts the head 29 so that the trap door 21 opens and the sacks of mail to be delivered fall into the receptacle 6, through the opening 20 and while this is taking place ring 56 engages in the hook and rocks the locking disk 92 from the position shown in Figure 5 to the position shown in Figure 19 thus picking up the mail sacks from the platform.

It is thought that the construction, operation, utility and advantages of this invention will now be quite apparent to those skilled in this art without a more detailed description thereof.

The present embodiment of the invention has been disclosed in considerable detail merely for the purposes of exemplification since in actual practice it attains the features of advantage enumerated as desirable in the statement of the invention and the 7 lie Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new is:

1. In an apparatus of the class described, an unloading device comprising a casing, a tube extending downwardly from the top .lofothe, casing,.a tube extendinmupwardly 7 from the bottom of the casing and terminating a distance from the first mentioned tube, a hook having a stem receivable in the tubes and formed with a groove to register with the space between the tubes, and spring catches extending into the space to engage in the groove.

2. In an apparatusof the class described, an unloading device comprising a casing, a tube extending downwardly from the top of the casing, a tube extending upwardly from the bottom of the casing and terminating a distance from the first mentionedtube, a hook having a stem receivable in the tubes and formed with a groo e to re ister with the space between the tubes, spring catches extending into the space to engage in the groove, a slidable member in the casing to hold the catches in locked position, and means for releasing the member.

3. In an apparatus of the class described, an unloading device comprising a casing, a tube extending downwardly from the top of the casing, a tube extending upwardly from the bottom of the casing and terminating a distance from the first mentioned tube, a hook having a stem receivable in he tubes and formed with a groove to regimer with the space between the tubes, spring catches extending into the space to engag in the groove, a slidable member in the casing to hold the catches in locked position, ears extending from the second mentioned t'" e 1 disk slidable over the second mentioned tube u as ce below the ears, arms rising from the disk and attached to said member, and springs between said member and said cars norm ally holding said member in its locking position, a pair of arms pivoted on the second mentioned tube and extending through slots in the bottom of the casing, and links connecting the pivoted arms with the disk.

4. In anapparatus of the class desc 'ibed, as device for suspending cargo from a support, said device including a shank provided at one end with a hook for engagement with the support, a pair of spaced segmental plates enclosing the inner portion oi the hook, a disk rockably mounted between the plates and provided with a notch, a stop pin carried by the disk, one of: said plates being provided with a notch for receiving said stop pin to limit the swinging movement of the disk in one direction, and a device adapted to be associated with an aircraft for suspending cargo to be discharged from the aircraft, said last mentioned device com prising a relatively fixed ring adapted to engage said hook for rotating said disk in one direction for transferring said hook from a support to said second mentioned device.

5. In an apparatus of the class described, an unloading pan, said pan having an opening, a trap door hingedly mounted to close the opening, a tube mounted on the pan for guiding an unloading device therethrough, means operatively engaged with said trap door adjacent one end of said tube to be actuated by the unloading device in the tube to release the trap door to allow the trap door to swing to an open position, a receptacle under the pan, and means for mounting the pan so that it may be swung to extend in different directions.

6. In an apparatus of the class described, an unloading pan, said pan having an opening, a trap door hingedly mounted to close the openin a tube mounted on the pan for guiding an unloading device therethrough, means operatively engaged with said trap door adjacent one end of said tube to be actuated by the unloading device in the tube to release the trap door to allow the trapdoor to swin to an open position, a receptacle under the pan, means for mounting the pan so that. it may be swung to extend in different directions, a cargo suspension hook, and means for releasably mounting said suspension hook at one end of the tube for engagement with the pick-up device of an aeroplane for transferring said hook to the pick-up device.

7 In an apparatus of the class described,

an unloading pan, an upwardly inclined tube mounted on the pan and having a slot in an upper part thereof, and upwardly and outwardly inclined wings extending from the slot formed in the upper part of the tube, said tube being adapted for actuating cargo-releasing means carried by an acreplane ilying above the tube, and said unloading pan being adapted to receive the released cargo.

In testimony whereol I atfix my signature.

FREDERICK W. WEIDMAN. 

